This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Disney’s Queen of Katwe. All opinions are 100% mine.
All of the way through junior high and high school, I never thought about what I wanted to do next with my life after graduation. I didn’t think about going to college because I was pretty much tired of school.
My grades weren’t bad or anything, in fact my GPA hovered around 3.8. It’s just that I wasn’t motivated and didn’t receive a push to do more after high school. My misdirected life took a turn when I went to enroll for my senior year.
I was told that since I took a summer English class, that put me over the credit limit for graduation so the school system graduated me without me even knowing it. I didn’t get a chance to walk and I graduated a year earlier than all of my friends.
I just turned 17, didn’t have a job, and wasn’t enrolled in college. I had no clue what to do next. Luckily, one of the student counselors felt sorry for me and hired me on as a temp in the school office filing paperwork.
From then on I decided that I’d have a plan for my life and will stick to my plan no matter what.
Fast forward years later, I graduated with a Bachelors in Marketing, a MBA a couple of years later, and enlisted in the Army as a Technical Engineer and was training to become an officer.
I was set and knew that I was heading in the right direction. Unfortunately, I can’t plan out certain circumstances in life and I got injured while I was in the field with my Army unit.
Again, my life came crashing down on me.
I could barely walk, had to move back in with my parents to get help with daily task, and was discharged because of my back injury. My life’s plan was ruined because I had my heart set on serving our country for as long as possible, but that’s not how things worked out.
I went into a deep depression and became reclusive. I didn’t have a job because I could barely walk or lift anything and always had doctor’s appointments or physical therapy. I was completely lost in life. One day I realized that I had to make a move and change things.
I decided to work for myself. That way I could still keep my doctor’s schedules and feel a sense of fulfillment in my life. I’m no longer depressed or fearful of what may happen, even if life decides to get in the way of my plans.
I was able to overcome adversity.
The story of Phiona in Queen Of Katwe resonates with me so well because she was able to overcome adversity, such as being homeless and poor, on her way to become a Master Chess Player at the age of 10. She had some setbacks, but her drive to learn and become better kept her going.
That drive and willingness to overcome is what makes me a successful business owner today. I feel as though nothing can home me back, except myself.
Have you ever had to overcome adversity?
What have you done to make your move forward in life?
You’ve read my story, but if you want to learn more about Phiona’s you can watch Queen Of Katwe now on Digital HD & Disney Movies Anywhere, on Blu-ray 1/31.
I’m so sorry that you were injured and discharged from the army and I thank you so much for serving our country! It is so hard to pick ourselves us from setbacks at times, but I”m glad that you did and that you made the decision to go into business for yourself. I had to quit my job last summer due to a neck injury, I could no longer perform my job due to terrible pain. That is when I started working from home and though it has been difficult, I am really glad that I made the decision to do it.
What an amazing story! You’ve overcome so much and have achieved amazing things, congratulations!
This is such an inspiring story. It’s all up to us on how we deal with the challenges that life throws our way. I love your dedication to live a better life.
You have such an amazing story! You have overcome so much to get where you are! I have had my own setbacks so I love to hear how others have overcome their own obstacles. I can’t wait to see Queen of Katwe!
What a story! You truly have had to overcome quite a bit. Such an inspiring story. I think we all have some set backs and have to figure out how to go up from there and you’ve done that! Which is really great and will be inspiring to all!
What an amazing story! This is such an isnpiration and motivation to us. Glad that you shared this story.
you are such an inspiration! I admire your determination! I hope I am strong as you 🙂
Thank you so much for everything that you were able to do while you served. I know that it can be hard to pick up the pieces when you have lost something that was so important to you.
I can’t begin to thank you enough for the work you did while in the army. I come from a military family and I have a lot of respect for others that are serving. I’m really sorry your were injured but glad to see that you are overcoming it all. I think it’s amazing that anyone can be a Master Chess Player at the age of 10. She sounds extraordinary.
I think at some point we are all faced with adversity. It’s how we handle it that sets the stage for whether we wallow in self defeat or pick ourselves up and move on.
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I enjoyed that movie queen of katwe! I’m glad you were able to overcome your problems and move forward. It’s so hard to plan for the future. I think it takes a unique set of skills to be able to do that.
This is such an inspirational post! I’ve hurt my back too and I could totally relate. So glad to hear that you’ve overcome adversity and move forward. Keep up with the good work!
Wow, what an awesome and inspiring story. Thanks for sharing. So sorry to hear that you were discharged. Keep it up and good luck to your new journey!
Pure Inspiration, You have overcome adversity and Run your own business. You are a shinning example that One can Overcome whatever and nothing can hold you back. Thanks for sharing and foe shinning the light on QoK 🙂